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General Information: (434) 654-7000 OR 1-800-633-6353
Your pregnancy is a new and exciting time. However, for both new and returning parents, pregnancy can also be a very confusing time. Following are several items you should consider while pregnant:
Before jumping in the pool, you learned how to swim. Before taking a test, you studied. Before you got your license, you learned how to drive. So why would you deliver your child without any preparation in childbirth or infant care?
We at Martha Jefferson understand how important it is for parents to be properly educated about pregnancy, childbirth, and baby care. Our team of childbirth professionals offers a variety of maternity classes for first-time parents, returning parents, and siblings. Then you can choose the programs that are best suited for your needs and your pregnancy.
Below is a listing of classes available at Martha Jefferson Hospital. For information on a specific maternity class, please click on the links below.
Maternity Education Programs:
(Printable Brochure)
Welcome to the journey of a lifetime! Whether this is your first baby or you're adding to an already growing family, this is a time rich with anticipation and planning. There are choices to make. Items to buy. Books to read. Things to learn. That's where we can help. Our childbirth professionals have designed a program that guides you through the prenatal and postpartum stages of pregnancy, introducing topics when they are most appropriate. Just as each pregnancy is a unique experience, we understand schedules and educational needs vary. That's why we offer choices in our maternity education program. We provide the guiding paths and you choose the one that's best for you. Join us, and enjoy the journey!
For information on any of our Maternity Education Programs or to register, please call Health Connection at (434)654-7009 or toll free at 1-888-652-6663.
Prepare yourself and your support person for the birth of your baby. Topics include understanding and managing the different stages of labor through relaxation, labor positions and breathing techniques, medication options, and Caesarean birth. Classes are conducted by a certified childbirth educator. Classes for the experienced parent are also available.
REGISTER EARLY!
Space is limited and classes fill quickly.
Option I: Childbirth Preparation Plus
6-week series includes:
Childbirth Preparation Series
Tour and Basics in Baby Care
One night per week, 7:00-9:00 pm
Option II: Fast Track
Childbirth Preparation Only
Two day series: Fri, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Sat, 9:00 am - noon
Handouts for Preparation for Childbirth
(for participants only; requires password)
Being comfortable with the details of caring for a baby can give you an extra measure of confidence. This class is designed to prepare you for what is involved in caring for your newborn. It includes bathing, infant stimulation and safety. It is suggested that expectant parents take the class together.
Handouts for Basics in Baby Care
(for participants only; requires password)
How you will feed your baby is an important consideration as your prepare for delivery. This class will discuss the benefits of breastfeeding, getting started, common problems and the father's role. Other topics may include pumping, going back to work and the mother's nutrition. We encourage the father or support person to attend with the mother.
Handouts for Breastfeeding
(for participants only; requires password)
Becoming a big sibling is a big deal! This class allows children 4-7 years old to tour our Family Centered Maternity Care Unit before their mother's hospital stay and their new baby's arrival. They will be provided with age-appropriate information regarding safety, basic infant care and what they can expect from their new baby sibling. Information will also be available to parents. For children under 4 years, a packet of information can be mailed to your home upon request, which guides parents on how to prepare their young child for the new baby.
Our staff will provide a guided tour to those considering or planning on delivering their baby at Martha Jefferson Hospital. It introduces you to our Family Centered Maternity Care Unit, including the birthing suites, nursery, and postpartum rooms. The tour will assist you in preparing for the hospital experience.
Please join us to share the ups and downs of this challenging time. Plan to bring your baby and relax with new friends who understand what being a new mother is really all about. First and third Thursdays of each month, 10:30 am - noon
If you are expecting a baby and already have a dog in your family this class is for you. Join us and get tips for introducing a new baby to your dog(s) and reduce jealous and aggressive behavior.
Click here for our flyer.
This program provides services that can be individualized to each family's needs, including education, referral to community resources and nursing services. Our maternity care coordinators are experienced, family-centered maternity care registered nurses who have been specially trained in case management. Your maternity care coordinator will work closely with you and your physician or certified nurse midwife (CNM) to ensure you receive the services that would be most beneficial to you and your family.
The first few days home after giving birth are joyful and overwhelming. Our Maternity Care Coordinators are experienced nurses who call and visit new moms and babies. We can help with breastfeeding assistance, weight check for your baby, jaundice screening, and emotional support. Call 434-654-7443 for more information. There is a fee for postpartum home visits.
Rest assured that you can find the supplies and support you need to enhance your breastfeeding experience. Our retail shop offers breast pumps for rent and purchase along with all the supplies you'll need. Our specialists in this field can expertly fit you for your nursing bras and other apparel. Call (434)654-4852 for hours. Located in the Martha Jefferson Marketplace .
Our certified lactation consultants are available for questions by phone or by appointment to assist with breastfeeding. Call 434-654-8440 for more information or to make an appointment for individual outpatient visits. There is a fee for outpatient visits.
For information on any of our Maternity Education Programs or to register, please call Health Connection at (434)654-7009 or toll free at 1-888-652-6663
Martha Jefferson Hospital's Prenatal Diagnosis Center offers the earliest screening available for Down Syndrome and other abnormalities in an unborn baby. Our physicians perform first trimester screenings between 11 and 14 weeks of gestation. The screening will detect 80 to 90 percent of chromosome abnormalities. Our doctors also perform second trimester ultrasounds to evaluate for abnormalities.
Couples referred to the Prenatal Diagnosis Center may receive genetic counseling. Prior to their scheduled ultrasound procedure, our practitioner takes a detailed family and medical history and gives an idea of what the ultrasound examination and other possible tests will be like. We also discuss abnormal results and options with families.
For more information about the Center, talk with your healthcare provider or call Health Connection at (434)654-7009 or toll free at 888-654-6653.
Martha Jefferson Hospital's staff includes a number of experienced doctors and midwives to help guide you through your pregnancy, labor and delivery. We are the only hospital in the area that allows midwives to deliver. If you need help finding an obstetrician or a midwife on staff at Martha Jefferson, please call our referral line at (434) 654-7009 or toll free at 888-654-6653; or refer to our online Physician Directory.
You should begin looking for a pediatrician about three months before your baby is due (in about the sixth month of your pregnancy). Conduct initial information research on the internet, or by asking friends, family or trusted doctors for recommendations. Once you have a short list of potential doctors, call their offices to set up interview appointments to meet the physician and learn more about him/her.
To find practitioners who are affiliated with Martha Jefferson Hospital, please call our physician referral line at (434) 654-7009 or 888-652-6663; or use our online Physician Directory.
